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Florence took the lead in Italian culture, becoming a hub for art and thought in Southern Europe during the early 15th century
This leadership continued until the end of the century, according to historian John Addington Symonds (1935)

Florence's Strength: Florence distinguished itself by its economic prosperity and the civic pride of its citizens, who viewed themselves as inheritors of Greek civilization, supported by the Medici family. The Medici family controlled European banking and were significant patrons of the arts
Migration of Artists: The fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans (1453) prompted many Roman Empire artists and architects to seek refuge in Florence, drawn by the city's generous patronage of culture
Church's Diminished Control: An emerging scientific trend challenged the church's authority, emphasizing reason and scientific inquiry over religious dogma. This led to anatomical studies of the human form, astronomical, and physics research.

The pivotal three names in Early Renaissance art were Filippo Brunelleschi (architecture), Donatello (sculpting), and Masaccio (painting).
Gentile Da Fabriano's Adoration of the Magi (1423): A representative work of the established international Gothic style, characterized by crowded compositions of aristocratic figures, elaborate costumes, decorative animals, and vibrant colors. Contains architectural features influenced by Brunelleschi
Masaccio's The Tribute Money (1427): This work showcases Masaccio's significant advancements in painting, including a clear light source, naturalistic figures, and early use of linear perspective. The work is a departure from the earlier Gothic influence.

Florence's preeminence as a cultural center waned during the period.
This decline was prompted by Spanish and French attacks, loss of Medici patronage, and the rise of friar Girolamo Savonarola's ascetic movement, which led to destruction of Renaissance art and a ban on art in Florence.
Meanwhile, Rome emerged as a significant center for art patronage, supported by Renaissance artists and popes.

Italian artists Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael had produced seminal works influencing all following European art movements and styles.
Factors Contributing:
- Patronage from influential Roman popes, leading to significant artistic commissions.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519):
- A multi-talented artist and scientist, renowned for his scientific drawings, and detailed observations of natural phenomena, including plants, geology, animal life, hydraulics, military engineering, anatomy, and physics.
Raphael (1483-1520):
- A highly sought-after painter recognized for skillful use of figures, composition and blending with the Classical world and the Christian tradition. His work, The School of Athens, reflects a convergence of Classical and Christian ideas.
Michelangelo (1475-1564):
- A renowned sculptor, painter, architect, and poet known for powerful, anatomically accurate figures frequently used religious subjects. His Sistine Chapel frescoes are a significant example.

Mannerist artists were influenced by and often reacted against the High Renaissance.
Characteristics:
- Distortion of Figures: A deliberate departure from naturalism.
- Emotional Tension: Figures often appear in unsettling or unusual poses.
- Complexity of Composition: Complex arrangements with no clear focal point.
- Idealization and Style: Preference for personal artistic expression over traditional values.
Parmigianino (1503-1540):
- Known for his elongated figures, particularly in his Madonna with the Long Neck
- Demonstrated Mannerism's emphasis on stylistic innovation.

Baroque art embraced dynamism, dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro), and intense emotions.
Characteristics:
- Dynamism: Contrast with the stillness of the Renaissance.
- Rich Colors and Dramatic Lighting: Intense emotions and spiritual themes
- Expansion and Exploration: Reflection of European exploration and colonialism.
- Scientific Discoveries: Integration of scientific insights in artistic expression.
Caravaggio (1571- 1610):
- Known for his dramatic use of light and shadow (tenebrism), often depicting everyday subjects with a naturalistic approach.
Diego Velázquez (1599-1660):
- Emphasized realism in his work, particularly in his portraiture, especially in Las Meninas which depicts a complex interaction of figures.

Reflected the elegance and refinement of the French aristocracy and upper classes.
Characteristics:
- Light-hearted Themes: Subjects include love, leisure, and fantasy.
- Decorative Style: Characterized by elaborate ornamentation and pastel colors.
- Curved Lines and Asymmetrical Compositions: Illustrative of the style's graceful, informal, and whimsical style.
Fragonard (1732-1806):
- Painted scenes of aristocratic leisure and romantic encounters, such as The Swing, conveying a sense of carefree elegance typical of the Rococo.

Reacted against the perceived frivolity of Rococo and sought to revive classical ideals.
Characteristics:
- Formal Composition and Balance: Re-introduced symmetrical, controlled compositions.
- Emphasis on Civic Virtue: Depicted historical themes, and noble acts for the state.
- Influence of Antiquity: Inspired by classical sculpture and Greek/Roman history.
Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825):
- A key figure in Neoclassicism, known for his historical paintings, such as The Oath of the Horatii, capturing the ideals of civic virtue.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867):
- A notable Neoclassical artist who adapted classical styles to portray individual subjects, notably La Grande Odalisque.